Leaving Juneau

Head finally (nearly) clear, preparations finally (nearly) complete, I went for one last ride in Juneau. I began to question the wisdom of my (nearly) complete taper, with my legs pumping endless fire into the (nearly) spring air. I wondered if maybe I am too rested, too complacent, too fat and lazy for the daunting day that now is just below the horizon. But today I felt like I had a hundred million miles in my legs, and I rode that feeling effortlessly to the end of the North Douglas Highway.

I stopped on the Mendenhall Lake wetlands to take one last look across the Channel. The valley stretched toward the city, the thin strip of familiarity through a crush of wilderness. I let my eyes drift up to the ice cap and linger on the great unknown beyond. I felt like this would be the last time I would ever see this view of Juneau - not because I am really overdramatic like that, but because I feel like, no matter what, I will return from Anchorage in two weeks as a different version of myself. It seemed like I should say goodbye.

I hope I will be able to post from Anchorage before the race, but just in case I don't have a chance, I wanted to leave the Web sites where information about the race will be posted. It begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. The best source is here: The Iditarod Trail Invitational Latest News. Someone will post the time and date each racer comes through each checkpoint. There also are sometimes comments about racers' and trail conditions. There will also be a daily report from MTBCast about the race leaders. As I understand it, there will also be updates at Sleepmonsters.com

Jill ~ ~ ~ All the best to you and Geoff. It's going to be a great experience, no doubt. The weather seems to be cooperating too, none of that 45 below zero crap! It's all coming together, now it's time to head on out there with your Pugster Surf board and catch that big honking wave.

I'm so glad that everything has finally come together for you. Did Pugs have any chop suey or curry while he was away? Perhaps he spent some time at the Golden Pagoda Massage Parlor? I can’t wait to hear Pugs’ side of the story. In any case, good luck to both you and Geoff. Have a great time and be safe!

Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. -Zen Master Dogen

Stay strong and find peace in your journey, this will be an unforgettable time for you. Life changing. And remember, in your case, a journey of 350 miles starts with a single step! Best of luck. -Namaste Jill

Never put it together. I've always thought of you as "Jilleo" - but after reading the Jared Eborn piece I can't help but drift to the obvious "Homer's Odyssey" (and the Simpsons aren't what I had in mind).

Jill, here's the link to the Anchorage Forecast Office if you're looking for weather updates. Zones 145 and 151 are the ones you should look at. I think the weather will be pretty good for your ride; it looks like it will clear out from the west starting about Sunday.

Good luck to you and Geoff! When things get cold or discouraging, just think of how inspiring we all think you are!

We'll all be there cheering you on when you cross the finish line--in spirit at least. Thanks for letting us be a part of this, even if it is only through sending our supportive vibes in your direction.

Don't ride too fast you will melt the ice! You have worked so hard towards this goal that I think no matter what happens it seems your only option is success. Be careful - have fun and thank you for letting us all live vicariously through your pursuits. Ride on!

Yeesh! I accidentally clicked on yesterday's comments and saw Mr. Cranky Pants Anonymous' indignities about your FedEx experience. He must have thought he was on the Up In Arms blog. Amen to Pugsley being found and if it held up one of my FedEx packages - I will just be glad that it helped you out.

I am now going to try something novel - getting some actual work done. Go get em.

The world, or at least those of us who are curious and astonished by your accomplishments already, will be watching your progress. You've already won the race for the respect and admiration of anyone who ever pedaled a single stroke.